“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.”

- Steven R. Covey

This represents a huge shift in thinking for most of us. If we plan our time at all, we typically write out the to-do list based on the minutia of our lives and then we prioritize what shows up on the list. We scurry to complete as many of the items on the list as possible and fall exhausted into bed at the end of the day discouraged by the lack of progress we’ve made toward the goals we say are important to us.

Today, try a different approach. First, list the goals you have. Maybe you want to lose weight. Maybe you want to make more money. Maybe you want to spend more time with your family. Whatever they are, write your big goals down.

Now, schedule an activity today that will move you toward one or more of your goals. This is the activity that takes precedence above all else today. This is the one you complete before you lay your head on the pillow tonight, no matter what.

Next, list everything else you have to do today. Prioritize them according to whether they contribute to reaching your goals. Look for things you can delegate and delegate them. Look for things you can remove from your list altogether and remove them. What’s left is what gets your attention today.

You are in charge of your time, whether you know it or not, whether you like it or not. Live each day according to what is important to you and put first things first.